Rose of the Shires Ultra
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Event overview
Rose of the Shires is a 54-mile circular ultra running event starting and finishing at Brixworth Country Park, Northamptonshire. The event is registered as a UTMB Index race in the 100K category. The route passes through countryside, two country parks, Salcey Forest, the Grand Union Canal and 21 villages and towns. The total elevation change is approximately +2315 ft (+706 m).
- 86.4 km (54 miles)
- Relay legs: 8.7 miles
- 7.1 miles
- 7.4 miles
- 6.8 miles
- 7.7 miles
- 8.0 miles
- 8.4 miles
Course and logistics
The course mixes footpaths, country trails, roads and canal towpath. A detailed breakdown gives 36.4 miles of cross-country trails, 15.6 miles of road and 1.8 miles of towpath. The route is waymarked but requires some navigation; organisers supply a voice navigation file and OS Maps 207, 223 and 224 cover the area. There are six checkpoints spaced roughly six to eight miles apart. Each checkpoint provides water and snacks. Finishers receive a medal and event merchandise; prizes are awarded for the first three men and women. The overall race cut-off is 13.5 hours with progressive cut-offs from checkpoint 3 onward.
Support, kit and parking
Geo Tracks GPS trackers are used for live tracking and navigation; units upload positions every 10 seconds, are accurate to about 5 metres and have batteries that last up to 70 hours. Baggage can be stored at the finish; recommended bag size is within UK carry-on limits (56 x 45 x 25 cm). Parking is available at the lower meadow car park at Brixworth Country Park; parking charges apply. Competitors must be over 18 and carry mandatory kit such as a fully charged mobile phone, 1 litre water capacity, survival blanket, waterproof jacket, whistle, headtorch, spare batteries, hat and gloves, and a long-sleeved base layer or fleece. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
